Brazilian organized crime and drug gangs – an international problem with international consequences

Dr. Vinicius Mariano de Carvalho is Lecturer in Brazilian Studies at King’s College London and Honorary Professor for Brazilian Studies at Aarhus University in Denmark. He researches in Brazilian Defence and Security issues.

Organized crime and drug gangs are increasing their activities in Brazil in recent years. Violent crimes related to territorial dispute by drug gangs are creating a feeling of war zone in many urban centers in Brazil, with very high homicide rates. This problem is, however, not restricted to Brazilian territory, but is affecting the region as a whole. This talk will present the current situation of organized crime in Brazil and discuss the international consequences of this issue, especially regarding Bolivia, Colombia and Paraguay.